Lithgow student wins D. Brownbill scholarship

"I've always imagined myself pursuing some sort of finance or accounting career and I'm certain that the ANU will provide me with the necessary foundation to achieve my future goals and aspirations."

The 2018 recipient of the D. Brownbill Family Scholarship is Rhianna Hampton-de Vries from Lithgow, NSW. Rhianna is commencing an ANU flexible double degree in Commerce and Science this year.

Rhianna faced challenges in balancing work, study and supporting herself throughout her secondary education, and receiving the Scholarship has made her transition to studying at ANU much smoother.

‘The Scholarship has allowed me to focus solely on settling into university without worrying too much about finding a new job immediately. I've now landed a new position but will not need to work as many hours with this added financial support. I can invest more time into my studies and feel significantly less financial stress,’ says Rhianna.

Choosing a flexible double degree at the ANU allowed Rhianna to explore her interests of business, mathematics and physics.

‘I am grateful I can pursue higher education in all of the areas that interest me without having to forego anything. I've always imagined myself pursuing some sort of finance or accounting career and I'm certain that the ANU will provide me with the necessary foundation to achieve my future goals and aspirations,’ explains Rhianna.

CBE alumnus, Mr Don Brownbill, has generously provided the funding for the award and he is a strong advocate for the possibilities education extends to disadvantaged students.

Education has the power to change lives and ANU’s College of Business and Economics is dedicated to creating pathways for disadvantaged students to access quality university education.

Every three to five years the ANU College of Business and Economics may offer an award known as the College of Business and Economics D. Brownbill Family Scholarship.

The Scholarship’s objective is to strengthen educational outcomes for students. This is in terms of both skill development and preparation for further study and employment. The Scholarship will further the university’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged students, and raise awareness of the acute disadvantages that some students face in accessing university education.